They will need an ever-expanding daily water and feed supply. Keep in mind that chicks double their size in only a couple of days and will continue to grow rapidly through their first six weeks. Feeders: Simple chick feeders can be used when birds are young, but a larger feeder will be necessary as chicks grow.Fresh, clean water is essential for proper chick health and growth. Typically a one-quart waterer is sufficient at first, and a gallon-sized or larger waterer is appropriate as chickens grow. Waterers : Chickens require an adequate water supply.Heat source: Chickens require a reliable heat source, such as a heat lamp.Housing : Chickens need a clean, dry, draft-free habitat that provides at least 1.5 sq.Consider the time and effort required for the care of a flock before deciding whether or not to start a poultry flock of any kind.ĭo the local zoning regulations permit you to raise poultry? Laws and ordinances in some communities might prohibit or restrict the raising of poultry in your neighborhood. Some neighborhoods have restrictions on the processing of animals. If local laws or ordinances allow you to raise birds but not process or slaughter them, you must determine where you will take the birds for processing. Are you up to the challenge of taking care of a flock of chickens for multiple weeks? Chickens require daily care, every day, including weekends and holidays.It’s possible to produce a variety of chicken sizes (Cornish game, fryer, roaster, and so on) by slaughtering at different times-for example, slaughtering one-third of the flock at intervals of five, seven, and nine weeks of age. A home broiler flock is a good 4H/FFA or family project. What do you want to accomplish with a home flock? It is unlikely that you will be able to produce a chicken for less than the cost of purchasing one at the grocery store.There are two important questions you should ask yourself before starting a small flock of meat chickens: Chickens raised in a backyard flock tend to be larger than commercially produced chickens found in grocery stores. (Meat chickens are often referred to as broilers ). Raising chickens at home for meat is becoming a popular practice. Jacquie Jacob, University of Kentucky Ready-to-cook chicken carcass (Image by volodya on )
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |